Remote ordering device

ABSTRACT

A remote ordering device for placing orders though cell phones or other data entry and wireless transmission devices and a data receiving station to receive the data, process the orders and keep track of accounts, inventory and retain other data as required. The receiving station can be in communication with other receiving stations to forward orders or data. The receiving station can provide instructions to a person or machine to fill orders at any desired location. The instructions may be printed out or displayed on a screen. A GPS, WAP or other location finding systems, may be used to identify the user&#39;s location. Bioelectronics, Caller I.D, pin numbers or other identification means can be used to verify the user for debiting accounts or credit cards. Users can remotely order tickets, meals, services, or control machines remotely and either arrange for pick up at a desired location or for delivery.

This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/684,185 filedOct. 6, 2000 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,406 on Aug. 20, 2002which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/384,961 filedAug. 27, 1999, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,524, which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/062,093 filed Apr. 17,1998 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,969,968.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a remote ordering systems in general.

The drive-through lanes in many restaurants have added a very beneficialfeature for both the consumer and the proprietor. The drive-throughallows the proprietor to remain open longer, while the restaurant isbeing cleaned for the next day. The drive-through also allows moreefficient handling of customers with a reduction in staff count.

The customer gets the benefit of staying in his or her vehicle whilebeing serviced. That is especially important to young families and tothose with mobility problems, such as the aged or infirm.

Drive-through lanes have been around for quite some time. However, inthe typical drive-through lane, a customer places an order by speakinginto a microphone to an attendant. The quality of these microphones isgenerally poor, resulting in miscommunication and errors in the order.By the time the customer finds out about the error, he has alreadywaited in line several minutes and must then wait several more minutesfor a correct order to be filled. This results in the loss of customergoodwill.

A problem with previous drive-through ordering systems that do not use amicrophone is that they require the customer to lean out of the vehicleto press a button on a menu or use a touch screen. This is awkward ifnot impossible for some people, such as very obese people. Also, thisexposes the customer to rain, snow, etc., while the order is beingplaced. Generally speaking, there is no feedback as to the type,quantity, or total price of items ordered, and no capability to back upto correct an incorrectly entered item.

There is a need for a remote ordering system for a drive-through lanethat addresses the above problems. Additionally, the system shouldprovide a completely transportable, hand-held remote device that can beassigned to customers who order frequently from the restaurant.Optimally, the device will have a customer identification, which istransmitted with each order so that the restaurant can performstatistical analysis.

This application also relates to the use of a remote ordering device bywait staff within a restaurant, to place orders, determine the status oforders, and allow the customer to pay the bill either by cash or creditcard.

There is a need for a hand held remote device on which a server in arestaurant enters each customer's food and beverage order and thenelectronically sends the information directly to the kitchen without theserver having to personally take the order. Each server could handleadditional tables more efficiently, increasing their income, and savingthe restaurant staff salaries. The device can also have a credit cardreader and signature “box” for the customer to complete the transactionat the table without having to wait in line at the cash register, or forthe waitress to return with a credit slip to sign.

There is also a need for a generalized remote ordering device forcustomer use inside or outside a facility such as a restaurant, autorepair facility, retail store, grocery store, airport or other servicefacility. The remote ordering device is a handheld device that allowsthe customer to order and pay for products or services and accessinformation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A generalized remote ordering apparatus for customer and employee usewithin a restaurant, auto repair facility, retail store, grocery store,airport, theatre, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or other servicefacility, to place orders, determine the status of orders, accessinformation, and allow the customer to pay the bill either by cash whenreceiving the goods or services, by debiting an account, or use of acredit card, comprising:

-   -   (a) a data input and transmitting device, such as a cell phone        or Personal Data Assistant (PDA) or personal computer (PC) with        a cell phone for transmitting ordering data.    -   (b) an ordering station for receiving data from the transmitting        device, either directly or through a cellular telephone system,        said ordering station adapted to receive the data from said data        input and transmitting device, communicate the order to be        filled to an order filling point, account for the transaction by        totaling the value of the items or services provided plus any        taxes applicable and either presenting the bill for payment, or        debiting a credit card or a customer account and optionally        providing a receipt for the customer when the goods or services        are received. The customer may pick up the goods or they can be        delivered to the customer.

A principal object and advantage of the present invention is that itallows the customer to order items from a menu without the necessity tospeak to an attendant. This results in more accurate orders.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that a servercan immediately send orders to a kitchen without having to personallydeliver them such that the server can spend more productive time servingpatrons, handle more tables, and thus save labor expenses.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that orders arereceived faster, and the server can be notified of completed orders assoon as they are prepared in the kitchen. Food will not get cool waitingfor servers to pick it up.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that theindividual orders will be automatically entered on a computer system, tobe used in inventory management, internal control, and marketing asdesired. If the patron wishes to pay cash, or does not want to use acredit card, the order will be identified electronically at the checkout register. If the business establishment wishes to have all patronscome to the check out register for control, the credit card slip andbill could already be completed saving time at the register.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that restaurantcustomers who are in a hurry can complete the credit card payment whenthe food is ordered, and not have to wait for the server to give themthe bill. They could leave when they are finished eating.

Another object and advantage is to improve security of transactions bynot having credit cards, which can be lost or stolen, or credit cardimprints which can be used to steal card number. Electronic transfer ofcredit card data and identification information prevents loss by theft.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that kitchenstaff could always read the order, because no handwriting is involved.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that theserver's orders and tips could be constantly recorded automatically,even if charged at the table.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that eachserver could have their own ordering device, for easy identification inthe kitchen or for personal notes in the jacket.

The above objects and advantages would be equally applicable for use bya customer at a service facility such as a restaurant, auto repairfacility, retail store, grocery store, airport, etc.

The generalized remote ordering apparatus may also be used by a businessfacility to allow the customer to select a predetermined order and thenenter it remotely. For example, the service facility may post an ordercode on a World Wide Web page that is correlated to a particularpredetermined order. After accessing the web page, the customer entersthe order code into the input device and, while at the service facility,transmits the order code to the ordering station. The service facilitymay also require the customer to enter a credit card number beforeproviding the order code.

The ordering menu can be transmitted to a cell phone, PDA or PC when atelecommunications link is established or the ordering menu may be inthe memory of the cell phone PDA or PC. The menu can also be in acatalog or posted in a visible location at the establishment where theordering is taking place, such as a sign in a drive through lane of abusiness or on a wall inside of a business establishment. For cellphones a voice menu can be used to make selections from.

Any type of item or service can be ordered remotely over a cell phone orother telecommunications link, the business receiving the orders cantrack who is placing the orders by the cell phone being used or the cellphone in combination with a personal identification number (PIN) abiometric identification device attached to the cell phone PDA or PC, orsuch a device at the point where the goods or services are delivered.The business can automatically keep track of inventory, and theaccounting associated with the transaction such as credit card accounts,debiting accounts the customer has established at the business,preparing receipts, or directing that cash be collected to complete thetransaction.

The customer need not remember the number of each business he desires tocontact. One number can be provided which has a menu of businesses tocontact and the orders may be placed on the at the number dialed andthen transferred to the desired business or a link with the business canbe made through the internet or by forwarding the call.

A two-way communications device can provide menus to make selectionsfrom. The selections can be made from goods from catalogs, or restaurantmenus, or for tickets and seating in theaters, aircraft, hotelsreservations, transactions at automatic teller machines, or orderingelectronic payments to be made from bank accounts.

A menu for ordering goods or services may also include a selection ofplace for picking up the goods or designating a place for delivery.

Identification of the customer can be made by identifying thetransmitter device assigned to the customer such as a cell phone numberof this cell phone, or biometric information collected over the wirelesstransmitter or in person at the time of pick up or delivery of the goodsor services. Other methods of identifying the customer include personalidentification numbers (PIN) or possession of a chip havingidentification information. Other means of identification of thecustomer at the point of pickup include signatures, photographs, andchips in the possession of the customer such as imbedded chips in acustomer card or tag.

A data output device such as a video display or print out can directpersonnel at a business establishment to fill orders. The output devicesmay also be used to print labels, warranties, receipts, credit cardslips, tickets, or other information for the customer or the businessestablishment.

Any type of wireless communications can be used such as cell phones, orother transmitters. The cell phones and transmitters may be connected topersonal computers, personal data assistants, tablet personal computersor other data storage and manipulation devices. The wireless technologyused can be by wide fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wireless Personal Networks orother systems. The connections may use bluetooth protocol or any otherprotocol.

Automatic ordering from one computer to another rather than from acustomer directly can be made. For example appliances can ask forrefills, such as a refrigerator asking a delivery service for more milk,heating system asking for more oil or propane, etc.

The ordering system can also be used to control appliances and controlsin homes and businesses, such as turning on lights or security systems,adjusting the heating or cooling systems, etc.

The ordering system working with position location devices such as GPSand cell phone location systems can advice a user where the nearestprovider of goods or services is located.

The data entered into the ordering device by the customer may be bypushing buttons, scanning bar codes, voice commands, or any other dataentry means.

Mobile payments can be made for highway tolls, parking fees, withoutstopping a vehicle to increase throughput at tollgates and parkingramps. Cab fares, bus fares and other transactions can be completedwhile in transit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 1 a is a schematic of the present invention shown in thecontext of a restaurant drive-through lane.

FIG. 2 is a schematic of the remote hand-held device of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is an electrical block diagram of the components of the remotehand-held device.

FIG. 4 is an electrical block diagram of the components of thedrive-through station.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the data processing method of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6A is a schematic of an “enter item number” display.

FIG. 6B shows the “enter item number” display after an item number hasbeen entered.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of an “item identifier and quantity” screen withthe item quantity filled in by the customer.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of an “item total” screen.

FIG. 9 is a schematic of an “enter/remove/finish” screen.

FIG. 10 is a schematic of an “order total” screen.

FIG. 11A is a schematic of one embodiment of a “remove item” screen.

FIG. 11B is a schematic of another embodiment of a “remove item” screen.

FIG. 12A is a schematic of an input device for a generalized remoteordering apparatus.

FIG. 12B is a schematic cross-section along the lines 12B of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 is a schematic of an ordering station for a generalized remoteordering apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a schematic of another embodiment of an input device for ageneralized remote ordering apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a schematic of an ordering station for use with the inputdevice of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a schematic end elevational view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The remote ordering system for a restaurant drive-through lane of thepresent invention is generally designated in the Figures as referencednumeral 10.

The remote ordering system 10 comprises an input device 12 and adrive-up ordering station 14. The input device 12 is unconnected to thedrive-up ordering station 14, and the input device is used from insidethe vehicle V. Preferably, the input device 12 is hand-held and istransportable away from the drive-up ordering station 14. Multipledevices 12 may be used, with a separate device being assigned to eachcustomer. In this embodiment the input device 12 is preferably usedwithin direct line-of-sight of the drive-up ordering station 14. Thatis, it is not intended that the devices operate while greatly separated,as for example over a telephone network.

Preferably, the input device 12 has a keypad 16, battery 18, a firstmemory 20, a first processor 22, and a transmitter 24. The first memory20 and the first processor 22 may be discrete components, or they mayboth be in an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) as seen inFIG. 3. A customer identification number may be stored in the firstmemory 20 for transmission to the drive-up ordering station with theorder.

The keypad 16 further preferably comprises a number of numeric keys 16a, an enter key 16 b, a remove key 16 c, a quantity add key 16 d, aquantity subtract key 16 e, and a start/finish key 16 f, as seen in FIG.2.

The drive-up ordering station 14 has a posted visual menu 30, which hasthe description and order number of various food items. A receiver 32 istuned to the transmitter 24. The station 14 also has a second processor34 which is adapted to decode information received from the transmitter24 through the receiver 32 and produce decoded information. The decodedinformation, for example, item description and price, is displayed on adisplay 36. A second memory 38 stores item numbers, descriptions, andprices which may be received from a point-of-sale system 40 through acommunications link 42. The second memory 38 and second processor 34 maybe discrete components, or they may both be in an Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC) as seen in FIG. 4.

The transmitter 24 and receiver 32 may operate either with radiofrequency (RF) transmissions or with infrared (IR) transmissions.

The remote ordering system 10 further comprises remote softwareexecuting in the first processor 22 and managing the remote input device12; and ordering station software executing in the second processor 34managing the ordering station 14. A flowchart of the remote software andordering station software is shown in FIG. 5.

First, the ordering station software displays a “welcome” screen on thedisplay 36. The welcome screen may invite the customer to initiate atransaction by pressing the start key 16 f on the remote device 12.

The customer then presses the start key 16 f on the remote device 12,causing a signal to be sent from the transmitter 24 to the receiver 32.The start signal is decoded by the ordering station software executingin the second processor 34.

In the next step, the ordering station software causes an “enter itemnumber” screen (FIG. 6A) to be displayed on the display 36. The itemnumbers available to the customer will be shown on the posted menu 30along with a description of the item (hamburger, cheeseburger, etc.)associated with the item number.

In response to the “enter item number screen,” the customer presses oneor more of the numeric keys 16 a to input the item number (FIG. 6B). Thecustomer then initiates transmission of the item number to the orderingstation 14 by, for example, pressing the “enter” key 16 b.

The item number is received by the receiver 32 and decoded by theordering station software executing in the second processor 34. Theordering station software then associates the item number with an itemdescription by looking in a table held in the second memory 38.

Next, the ordering station software sends an “item identifier andquantity” screen (FIG. 7) to the display 36. This screen invites thecustomer to enter the quantity of this item desired.

The customer inputs the quantity of this item desired by using thenumeric keys 16 a and optionally the quantity add key 16 d and/orquantity subtract key 16 e. The customer then initiates transmission ofthe item quantity by, for example, pressing the “enter” key 16 b.

The receiver 32 receives the item quantity for the first item and passesthis to the second processor 34 for decoding. The second processor thenmakes an entry for the quantity of the first item in the second memory38. The second processor looks up the price of this item from a tablemaintained in the second memory 38 and calculates an item total for thefirst item. The ordering station software then transmits an item totalscreen (FIG. 8) for the first item to the display 36.

When the customer presses the “enter” key again, a transmissionsignaling pressing of the “enter” key is sent to the ordering station14. The ordering station software then transmits an“enter/remove/finish” screen (FIG. 9) to the display 36.

The customer has three choices by which he may respond to the“enter/remove/finish” screen.

If the “enter” key is pressed, the remote device 12 signals the orderingstation 14 to bring up an “enter item number” screen (FIG. 6A) to beginthe process described above for ordering another item.

If the “remove” key 16 c is pressed, the remote device 12 signals theordering station to bring up a “remove item” screen (FIG. 11A). Thisscreen will list the item(s) ordered by item number, description, andquantity and display an order total. Optionally, the order subtotals mayalso be displayed (FIG. 11B). By using the numeric keys 16 a, thecustomer indicates which item number to remove, then presses the “enter”key to signal the ordering station software to remove that item from theorder. The ordering station software then redisplays the“enter/remove/finish” screen.

If the “finish” key 16 f is pressed, the remote device 12 signals theordering station to calculate an order total for all items andquantities ordered. The ordering station software then causes an ordertotal screen (FIG. 10) to be displayed on the display 36.

The ordering station software then sends the order information to thepoint-of-sale system via the communications link 42.

The point-of-sale system may load item numbers, descriptions, and pricesinto the ordering station through the communication link 42.

A generalized remote ordering apparatus comprises an input device 112having a keypad 116, a battery 18, a first memory 20, a first processor22, and a transmitter 24 (see FIGS. 3 and 12A). The first memory 20 andfirst processor 22 may be discrete components, or they may both be in anApplication Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) as seen in FIG. 3. Auser/server indicator may be stored in the first memory 20 fortransmission to the ordering station 140 to identify the user/server.

The remote ordering apparatus further comprises an ordering station 140unconnected to the input device 112, the ordering station 140 havingreceiver 32 tuned to the transmitter 24. The remote ordering station 140also has a second processor 34, which is adapted to decode informationreceived from the transmitter 24 through the receiver 32 and producedecoded information. The remote ordering station 140 also has a display36 adapted to display the decoded information. A second memory 38 storesitem numbers, descriptions, and prices, which may be received from apoint-of-sale system 40 through a communications link 42. The secondmemory 38 and second processor 34 may be discrete components, or theymay both be in an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) as seenin FIG. 4.

The input device 112 may have a display window 114 for displayinginformation. Preferably, the display window 114 is a liquid crystaldisplay.

The input device 112 may have an order ready indicator 118 which isturned on by transmission from the ordering station 140 when an order isready for pickup. Preferably, the order ready indicator is a lightedindicator such as an LED, but could also be a chime or vibrator.

The keypad 116 preferably has a plurality of numeric keys 116A to inputselections from menu items and customer data. Most preferably, thenumeric keys 116A further comprise keys labeled 0 through 9, as shown inFIG. 12A. For example, a standard telephone keypad could be used as thenumeric keys 116A.

The keypad 116 further comprises an order send button 120, which ispressed to transmit an order to the ordering station 140.

The keypad 116 further comprises a recall/change button 122 which can beused to recall or change a previously submitted order by entering theorder number and pressing the recall/change button 122.

The input device 112 preferably has a credit card slot 128 for swiping acredit card to read the magnetic strip on the credit card. The inputdevice 112 may also have a credit card signature block 126 adapted toelectronically record the signature of a credit card holder.

The transmitter 24 and receiver 32 may operate either with radiofrequency (RE) transmissions or with infrared (IR) transmissions.Preferably, RE transmissions are used.

The remote ordering apparatus preferably comprises a plurality of theinput devices 112, each of said plurality of input devices 112 beingseparately transportable away from the ordering station 140.

A customer of the service facility may place orders or acquire otherinformation from the service facility by means of a method using thegeneralized remote ordering apparatus.

The service facility provides an order code to the customer who is usingthe input device, after correlating the order code to a predeterminedorder. For example, order code 1 could be correlated to a hamburger,fries, and a coke. The user of the input device then enters the ordercode into the input device 112 by means of the keypad 116 and pressesthe order send button 120, which causes the order number to betransmitted to the ordering station. The user may operate the inputdevice 112 either inside or outside the service facility, depending onthe range of the transmitter 24.

To provide order codes to the general public, the owner of the servicefacility may post a menu of order codes on a World Wide Web page. Forexample, if a retail store is having a special promotion, the store maypost order codes for items, which are on sale on its web site. Theshopper then prints out a list of these order codes and, after enteringthe store, enters the order codes into the input device 112 andtransmits them to the ordering station 140.

Alternatively, the service facility could also provide a catalog for useby a customer, which each customer being given an input device forshopping, and the catalog having the order codes. The input device 112could be programmed to accept a number of order codes and transmit themserially to the ordering station 140 with one press of the order sendbutton. When the order is ready, the order ready indicator will beturned on, and the customer may pick up the order.

In an alternative arrangement, the service facility may reveal an ordercode, on a web site or otherwise, only after verifying the identity ofthe requester, and may additionally require the requester to pay for theorder with a credit card number before receiving the order code. Inanother arrangement, the requester pays for the order after entering itby swiping his credit card through the credit card slot 128, whichtransmits the credit card number and expiration date to thepoint-of-sale system through the ordering station 140.

The input device 112 may be incorporated into a cellular telephone, sothat orders may be transmitted to the service facility over thetelephone network.

Another embodiment of a generalized remote ordering apparatus is shownin FIGS. 14-16 as reference numeral 210.

The generalized remote ordering apparatus 210 comprises an input device212 and an ordering station 240 unconnected to the input device 212.

The input device 212 further comprises a keypad 216, a battery (notshown), a first memory 20, a first processor 22, and a transmitter 224.The first memory 20 and first processor 22 may be discrete components orthey may be in an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) as seenin FIG. 3.

The input device 212 also comprises a bar code reader 226 adapted toread bar code labels L.

The ordering station 240 has a receiver 32 adapted to receiveinformation from the transmitter 224. The ordering station 240 also hasa second processor 34 which is adapted to decode information receivedfrom the transmitter 224 through the receiver 32 and produce decodedinformation. A second memory 38 stores item numbers, descriptions, andprices which may be received from a point-of-sale system 40 through acommunications link 42. The second memory 38 and second processor 34 maybe discrete components, or they may both be in an Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC) as seen in FIG. 4.

In one preferred embodiment, the input device 212 comprises a cellulartelephone 250 and the receiver 32 comprises a telephone answeringapparatus 242.

If the cellular telephone is analog, the transmitter 224 will include amodem.

In other embodiments, the transmitter 224 and receiver 32 operate in theinfrared spectrum or the radio spectrum.

The apparatus 210 may also have a global positioning system (GPS)transceiver 260 that communicates with one or more GPS satellites S.

The apparatus 210 may also have a personal identification apparatus 270adapted to identify the user of the input device 212. The personalidentification apparatus preferably is adapted to identify the userdirectly by some physical characteristic, instead of requiring the userto input a personal identification number (PIN). This providesadditional security, because PINs can be stolen, but physicalcharacteristics of the user cannot be copied.

The physical characteristic that may be used with the personalidentification apparatus 270 may be any physical characteristic of theuser, but preferably is selected from the group consisting ofbioelectric, biochemical, and biomechanical characteristics.

For example, the personal identification apparatus 270 may be adapted toidentify the user's voice, the user's thumbprint, or the user's retinalpattern.

Applications of the apparatus 210 may now be illustrated.

If the input device 212 is a cellular telephone 250 equipped with a barcode reader 226, the user may order an item from his home or car forlater pickup at a store or restaurant. The store or restaurant maypublish a menu of items with corresponding bar codes, either in print oron the World Wide Web. To order an item, the user would dial a centralnumber at which the ordering station is located and the call would beanswered by the telephone answering apparatus 242. A series of voiceinstructions would instruct the user to read the bar code using the barcode reader 226. The ordering station 140 would then communicate withthe point-of-sale system to record the sale. In addition, the customermay be required to swipe a credit card through the credit card slot 128,either at home or when at the store.

In another application, the GPS transceiver 260 would indicate theuser's location, precise to within 10 feet, and the input device 212would transmit this location to the ordering station 140 during theordering process. A delivery person, equipped with another GPStransceiver, would input the GPS coordinates into his transceiver andwould be able to go directly to the location at which the ordering useris located. This would be of great value in an environment such as astadium.

Alternatively, a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) can be used tolocate the position of the caller for routing calls to the nearestprovider or delivering the good or services to the user.

In another application, the user may place an order through the store orrestaurant's World Wide Web site, using any standard ordering process.When the user arrives at the store or restaurant, the user may activatethe input device 212 in order to indicate to the ordering station 140that the user is present and ready to pick up the item.

In a still further application the user may call a central number toconnect to a central computer which will offer a menu of all goods andservices available for ordering by remote ordering systems. The centralcomputer will then route the user to a particular order receivingcomputer or forward orders taken on the central computer. In this mannerthe user need only remember one number to call to enter the system nomatter what goods or services are desired.

In another embodiment the user may call the receiving station phonenumber for a business and be connected to the central computer whichprocesses the order and debits the customer's account, or credit cardand then sends order data to a second computer at a location where theproduct or service is to be picked up or provided instructing the localbranch to provide the goods or services. Alternatively the centralcomputer can send data to be viewed on a screen or printed, instructingthe local branch to provide the goods or services. A printer can printlabels, receipts or credit card slips directed by the central computeror an on site computer. Inventory control data may be kept on thecentral, the local computer or both.

In the general case a user can access a receiving station by use of atransmitter, a cell phone, preferably a cell phone with a data displayscreen, a PDA with a transmitter, a PDA with a cell phone, a PC with atransmitter, or a PC with a cell phone, a tablet PC with a transmitter,or a tablet PC with a cell phone. The transmissions of data can be bywide fidelity (Wi-Fi), wireless personal networks or any other systemand may use blue tooth or any other protocol.

The receiving station can send out menus either verbal or written andreceive orders for goods or services to be picked up or delivered.

The receiving station can be a general service receiving station andforward calls or order data to other receiving stations for a particularbusiness, which in turn can contact a receiving station or send amessage to it's own local branch directing the goods or services to beprovided at the location where the customer wishes to pick up the goodsor receive the services. The goods or services may also be deliveredfrom the nearest local branch.

The receiving station may be contacted at a central toll free phonenumber phone for taking orders and handling accounts and inventory dataand then sending data to a local receiving station for filling theorders. Alternatively the receiving station can be a central receivingstation for the business with a nation wide toll free number and thelocal branches of the business that fill the orders can have acommunications link to receive data for filling the orders. As part ofthe menu for ordering goods or services the user can select the locationfor pick up or designate a point of delivery.

There may be many uses for the receiving station. It can control othermachines rather than simply provide goods or services. For example thereceiving station can be connected to a house to control heat, lock orunlock doors, turn on or off lights, etc. In other applications thereceiving station can be connected to an ATM machine for obtaining cashor making deposits, or to a bank computer for transferring funds betweenthe user's accounts or paying bills.

The wireless telecommunications device may have a bioelectronic useridentification device for transmitting user identification data to thereceiving station. Alternatively receiving station can receive identitydata from a bioelectronic identification device at the point of pick upor delivery. Chips in the possession of the customer such as chipsimbedded in cards or tags or even chips in the customer can be used foridentification.

In the most general case the wireless ordering telecommunications devicecan connect people, appliances or computers to the ordering station andthe ordering station may be connected to appliances, machines orcomputers.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it istherefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made tothe appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicatethe scope of the invention.

1. A remote ordering apparatus comprising: a wireless telecommunicationsdevice having, a data entry portion, a power source, a first memory, afirst processor, a transmitter, and a data receiving station to receivedata from the wireless telecommunications device, a second processoradapted to process data received by the data receiving station, a secondmemory adapted to store data, a data output device for directing thedelivery of goods or services.
 2. A remote ordering apparatus as inclaim 1 wherein, the wireless telecommunications device comprises a cellphone and a cell phone network.
 3. A remote ordering apparatus as inclaim 1 wherein, the wireless telecommunications device comprises a PDAand a transmitter.
 4. A remote ordering apparatus as in claim 1 wherein,the wireless telecommunications device comprises a PDA, a cell phone anda cell phone network.
 5. A remote ordering apparatus as in claim 1wherein, the wireless telecommunications device comprises a personalcomputer and a transmitter.
 6. A remote ordering apparatus as in claim 1wherein, the wireless telecommunications device comprises a personalcomputer, a cell phone and a cell phone network.
 7. A remote orderingapparatus as in claim 1 wherein, the data receiving station is a centralcomputer at a first site, the data output device is at the first site.8. A remote ordering apparatus as in claim 1 wherein, the data receivingstation is a central computer at a first site, the data output device isat a second site.
 9. A remote ordering apparatus as in claim 1 wherein,the data receiving station is a central computer at a first site, asecond data receiving station is a second computer located at a secondsite, such that the first data receiving station and second datareceiving station transfer data at least one way regarding thetransaction.
 10. A remote ordering apparatus as in claim 9 wherein, thedata output device is at a second site.
 11. A remote ordering apparatusas in claim 1 wherein, the data output device is an electronic displayscreen for displaying orders data such as information about the ordersto be filed.
 12. A remote ordering apparatus as in claim 1 wherein, thedata output device is a printer for printing order information about theorders to be filed and other data and information such as labels,receipts, credit card slips and account information.
 13. A remoteordering apparatus as in claim 1 wherein, the data receiving stationincludes a personal identification portion.
 14. A remote orderingapparatus as in claim 13 wherein, the personal identification portionincludes a caller identification device to automatically identify thewireless telecommunications device for automatically identifying theaccount of the person ordering the goods or services.
 15. A remoteordering apparatus as in claim 13 wherein, the personal identificationportion includes a bioelectronic identification device selected from thegroup consisting of voice identification, finger print identification,retina identification, facial identification or other means ofidentifying the purchaser.
 16. A remote ordering apparatus as in claim13 wherein, the personal identification portion includes a chip sensorfor detecting the presence of a chip possessed by or implanted in theperson ordering the goods or services.
 17. A remote ordering apparatusas in claim 1 wherein, the wireless telecommunications device includes apersonal identification portion.
 18. A remote ordering apparatus as inclaim 17 wherein, the wireless telecommunications device includes abioelectronic identification device selected from the group consistingof voice identification, finger print identification, retinaidentification, facial identification or other means of identifying thepurchaser.
 19. A remote ordering apparatus as in claim 1 wherein, thewireless telecommunications device includes a credit card data inputdevice.
 20. A remote ordering apparatus as in claim 1 wherein, the datareceiving station includes a credit card data input device.
 21. A remoteordering apparatus as in claim 1 wherein, a position location deviceidentifies the location of the wireless telecommunications device.
 22. Aremote ordering apparatus as in claim 21 wherein, the position locationdevice comprises a geo-positioning device.
 23. A remote orderingapparatus as in claim 21 wherein, the position location device comprisesa wireless application protocol.
 24. A remote ordering apparatus as inclaim 1 wherein, the data receiving station includes an automated tellermachine.
 25. A method for remotely ordering items comprising: (a)establishing a wireless telecommunications link between a wirelesstelecommunications device and a data receiving station, (b) referring toan ordering code, (c) entering the ordering code for a purchase desired,(d) transmitting the ordering code data to the data receiving stationthrough the wireless telecommunications link, (e) decoding the orderingcode by the data receiving station, (f) recording the purchases made,(g) optionally repeating steps (b) through (f) until all purchases arecomplete, (h) transmitting the decoded order from the data receivingstation to a data output device.
 26. A method for remotely orderingitems as in claim 25 with the further step of: transmitting credit cardinformation from the a wireless telecommunications device to the datareceiving station.
 27. A method for remotely ordering items as in claim25 with the further step of: transmitting the credit card informationreceived from the data receiving station over a communications link to acredit card authorization center for approval.
 28. A method for remotelyordering items as in claim 27 with the further step of: receivingcustomer identity information data from the wireless telecommunicationsdevice.
 29. A method for remotely ordering items as in claim 25 with thefurther step of: receiving customer position information from thewireless telecommunications device by way of a geopositioning satellitedevice connected to the wireless telecommunications device.
 30. A methodfor remotely ordering items as in claim 25 with the further step of:receiving customer position information from the wirelesstelecommunications device by way of a wireless application protocoldevice connected to the wireless telecommunications device.
 31. A methodfor remotely ordering items as in claim 25 with the further step of:reading bar codes to enter ordering data into the wirelesstelecommunications device.
 32. A method for remotely ordering items asin claim 25 with the further step of: signaling the wirelesstelecommunications device when the order is ready for being picked up.33. A method for remotely ordering items as in claim 25 with the furtherstep of: forwarding the data from a the data receiving station to asecond data receiving station.
 34. A method for remotely ordering itemsas in claim 25 with the further step of: providing the goods or servicesfor pick up at a desired location.
 35. A method for remotely orderingitems as in claim 25 with the further step of: providing the goods orservices for delivery at a desired location.
 36. A method for remotelyordering items as in claim 25 with the further step of: debiting thecustomer's account for the transaction.
 37. A method for remotelyordering items as in claim 25 with the further step of: debiting thecustomer's credit card for the transaction.
 38. A method for remotelyordering items as in claim 25 with the further step of: trackinginventory based on sales made.
 39. A method for remotely ordering itemsas in claim 25 with the further step of: printing a receipt for thecustomer at a delivery location.
 40. A method for remotely orderingitems as in claim 25 with the further step of: printing a credit cardslip for signature by the customer.
 41. A method for remotely orderingitems as in claim 25 with the further step of: identifying the customerremotely over the telecommunications link.
 42. A method for remotelyordering items as in claim 25 with the further step of: identifying thecustomer at the location of the transfer of the goods or services.
 43. Amethod for remotely ordering items as in claim 25 with the further stepof: activating an automated teller machine by use of the wirelesscommunications device to take the place of having an automated tellermachine card.
 44. A method for remotely ordering items as in claim 43with the further step of: entering automated teller machine data for thetransaction desired by use of the wireless communications device.
 45. Amethod for remotely ordering items as in claim 25 with the further stepof: controlling a device such as a home appliance by use of the wirelesscommunications device.